The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Entry timing: 0600 - 1800 hrs.
Near by Attractions to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kurisumala
A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kumily (4 km from Thekkady)
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily
Murikkady (5 km from Thekkady)
Washed in fresh spice-scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Pandikuzhi (5 km from Kumily)
This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
Mangala Devi Temple (15 km from Thekkady)
This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a oeak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill villages of Tamil nadu. Permission to visit the area can be abtained from the Wildlife Wadren, Thekkady (Ph.0486-322027).
Chellarkovil (15 km from Kumily)
This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Vandiperiyar (18 km from Thekkady)
The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of roses, orchids and anthuria.
Vandanmedu (25 km from Kumily)
This is one of the world's largest auction centres for candamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
Pullumedu (43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar)
The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady Ph:0486-322027 or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu Ph:0486-352515.
Ramakalmedu (40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar)
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a Panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.
Things to do in Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
Plantation Tours
Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620). Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.
Elephant rides
The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Time: 1000 - 1700 hrs. Duration: 30 Minutes. Fare: Rs.30 per person. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter. Ph:0486-322028
Trekking
Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar
The Forest Department conducts daily trels from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. Starting: 0700 hrs. Fare: Rs.10 + entrance fee. Booking can be made with the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady (Ph:0486-322027, 322028)
Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake
Timings: 0700, 0930, 1130, 1400, 1600 hrs. Fare: Lower deck: Rs.50, Upper deck: Rs.90. The Forest Department (Ph:322028) and the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (Ph: 322023) conduct boating trips from Thekkady. Entrance fee at check post: Foreigners: Rs.50 (valid for one day), Domestic tourists: Rs.2.
When to Visit
Best season to visit the Reserve is September to May. The months of March and April constitute the driest part of the year, because of which the animals spend a lot of time near the lake in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Even the tiger may be spotted approaching the waters in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Animals may be seen from motorboats on the lake or from watchtowers set up in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. If you dont mind the rains, then the rest of the year is also fine. The Reserve is open all year from 7 AM to 6 PM
Location :- Longitude:76 55- 77 26 E, Latititude:9 16 9 40 N
Boundaries :- North Peermedu taluk,
South Pathanamthitta district,
East Theni,Tirunelveli & Ramnad districts of Tamil Nadu,
West Kottayam district
Terrain & Geomorphology
Terrain is undulating with lofty peaks of over 1700 meters bordering the north and east. Towards the west it merges into an extensive tableland Mount Plateau of average elevation 1200 meters.From the edge of this plateau the land falls steeply to the thickly forested tracts of Sabarimala hills in the Pamba River basin. The overall elevation ranges from 100 meters at Pambavalley to 2019 meters at Kottamalai.
Geology
Rock granites and gneisses -
Soil laterite, fine loamy, with large amount of quartz gravel formed from crystalline rock.
Altitude: 900-1800 m above sea level
Climate & Rain fall
The temperature ranges from 15C in December and January and up to 31C in April & May. The Annual rainfall ranges from 2000 mm to 3000 mm. Twothirds of the rainfall occurs during the southwest monsoon from June to September. The northeast monsoon impacts from October to December. There are some pre-monsoon showers from mid April.
Rivers
Periyar and Pamba
Area of lake : 26 sq. km. (at max. water level)
Road
There are frequent buses from Kumily (4 km away) to various tourist centres.
Distance of a few major towns from Thekkady
Kumily: 4 km (15 mts) Sabarimala via
Pullumedu: 50 km (2 hrs)
Idukki: 65 km (2 1/2 hrs)
Munnar: 106 km (4 hrs)
Kumarakom: 128 km (4 hrs) Sabarimala via
Erumeli: 134 km (4 hrs)
Kodaikanal: 149 km (5 hrs)
Alappuzha: 164 km (5 hrs)
Kollam: 220 km (6 hrs)
Ooty: 390 km (11 hrs)
Bus timings from Kumily:
Thekkady: 0930, 1045, 1130, 1200, 1230, 1330, 1530 hrs
Kumarakom: 0700 hrs
Munnar: 0600, 0945, 1330 hrs
Ernakulam: 0700, 1330, 1515, 1630,1715, 1930 hrs
Thiruvananthapuram (from Kumily): 0840, 1530, 1615 hrs; (from Thekkady): 0820, 1515 hrs
Kottayam: Frequent buses
Alappuzha:1115 hrs
Cherthala: 1415 hrs
Idukki:Frequent buses
Chennai: 1630, 1900 hrs
Pondicherry: 1630 hrs
Madurai: 0115, 0515, 0525, 0645, 0716, 0720, 0730, 0755, 0835, 0940, 1030, 1045, 1120, 1155, 1300, 1315, 1320, 1420, 1515, 1540, 1550, 1650, 1705, 1800, 1840, 1905, 2045 hrs
?Dindigal: Frequent buses
Kodaikanal: There is no direct bus from Kumily to Kodaikanal. The Dindigal bus takes you to Vathalakundu from where there are frequent buses to Kodaikanal (149 km)
Trichy: 0855, 1045, 1925 hrs Palani: 0930, 1135, 1830, 1850 hrs.
Flora
Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus.
Fauna
Mammals: Thirty five species including the wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats the Nilgiri Tahr in the higher rocky areas the endangered lion tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors the bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc.
Birds: 265 species including migrants. The hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc.
Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non poisonous snakes, and the monitor lizard.
Amphibians: Frogs, toads and limbless caecilians include the colourful Malabar gliding frog, common Indian toad, fungoid frog and bicoloured frog.
Pisces (fish): The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake, can be frequently spotted from the boat.
Plantations: Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary Watch Towers: There are two watch towers in the interior of the Periyar forest. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Centre, Thekkady. Ph: 322028.
Permitting authority: The Wildlife Preservation Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady.
Other Major Important Wildlife Destinations in Kerala
The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.
Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.
Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds.
Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.
Neyyar sanctuary is nestled in the south-east corner of the Western Ghats, the Neyyar sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries-Mullayar and Kallar.
